Challenge Courage and Call

Priests are becoming fewer and older, and as the workload increases and pastoral demands become more complex, the question of priestly identity comes to the fore.

What does it mean to be a priest in contemporary Ireland? In more than 55 years in ministry, Michael Neary has had the privilege of addressing priests at diocesan retreats in many Irish dioceses. In this book, he relates God’s word to the trials and tribulations, the changes and challenges, as well as the frustrations and fulfilment of the pastoral ministry today.

As we hear the Word of God through iconic biblical figures, we see how it challenged them, and how it led them into conflict situations, yet comforted and consoled them. Likewise, in our ministry, the word of God initiates a dialogue with us, inspires growth and broadens our horizons, impelling us to mission.

Author Bio: Born in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in 1946, Archbishop Michael Neary has spent more than 55 years in priestly ministry ordained for his native Tuam Archdiocese in 1971. After time in parish ministry and as a secondary school teacher, he completed postgraduate studies in theology and sacred scripture before lecturing in scripture at the national seminary St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. In 1992, Pope St John Paul appointed him auxiliary to the Archbishop of Tuam, succeeding as Archbishop of Tuam in 1995. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in 2010 and retired in 2021. He continues to give retreats, particularly to diocesan clergy.